Guide to installing wire mesh shielding

[Steemo]

On my 450s and 500 I have used the following method for tidying up servo wires, and have since done the same for some of the wires of my Bee. I stripped a servo gear today(yes OLP it was the orange HK ) so I had to install the shielding on the replacement. Though some of you might like to see how it's done so I took some pics.

First you take off the black plug by pushing the wires in as far as they will go into the plug then one by one gently lift the little piece of black plastic holding each wire in place with a pin or tip of an xacto knife then pull that wire out.


Put a small amount of heat shrink over the 3 wire ends as this helps a lot with getting the wire through the mesh.


Figure out the length of your servo wire you need then you can either:
Cut out the wire in the middle, join and insulate each wire
or
Triple over the wire and secure it with some heat shrink (I have done this method this time)



Cut your mesh tube to length and don't forget to singe the ends with a lighter so they don't fray when you open it up.


Slide the mesh over the servo wire, this can be a bit frustrating if you don't do it right so remember it is easiest to push from behind as this opens the mesh up. if you pull from the front it closes the mesh on the wire and it will not move.

Before putting the plug back on the wires you need to slide on the heat shrink to secure each end of the mesh. I like to use heat shrink that is just too small to fit over the mesh and stretch it gently with needle nose pliers then slide it on quickly as the heat shrink likes to return to its original shape after stretching even without heat.



Once you have 2 pieces of heat shrink over the mesh you can re-attach the black plug to the wires, make sure you get this the same way in as they were before, you can use another servo plug as an example of where the black red and white wires go(can sometimes be purple red and yellow as with my servo here).


Now arrange the heat shrink right up at each end and fix them in place.


This was really hard for me to get done when I first tried but with some practice and after I learned some of the tips and tricks I've outlined here its now a quick easy job.It will protect vulnerable wires from sharp edges, tidy up your wiring and give your heli that professional install look.

[Oldladypilot]

Perfect!!
Thanks for posting this Steemo!
Very useful info.

Bugster;
1 vote to sticky this please!!

[Viet-Lama]

Very sweet job. I like your little "folding trick"! Much better then all that cutting/splicing to shorten the wires.
I already have braided wire and will soon tidy up one of my 450s. Going to use that crafty fold method

[Bugster]

Originally Posted by Oldladypilot

Bugster;
1 vote to sticky this please!!

Any more in favour?

[boykintom]

Yes--there are several very good tips here.

[Viet-Lama]

Please remove my outdated LANDING SKIDS COMPAIRED tutorial and replace with this one

[Steemo]

Thanks for the sticky votes guys, I know this isn't a common customization for the bee because of it's small size but it could be helpful for many of the budding CP builders/fliers we are seeing so much of around here.

[Bugster]

Stickied. Thanks Steemo

It's under Modifications to improve your HBFP

And VL I couldn't bear to delete your "skids compared" sticky because it will help pilots of vintage V1s in the future

[Viet-Lama]

[boykintom]

I would like to use this method, but I'm having trouble finding the plastic braid. Suggestions for stores that carry this?

[oliverdots]

Great idea I will be using. Thanks for that Steemo.

Definately worth the 'sticky' status

[Oldladypilot]

Originally Posted by boykintom

I would like to use this method, but I'm having trouble finding the plastic braid. Suggestions for stores that carry this?

You can get it at;http://www.cabletiesandmore.com/amer...cPath=69_73_74

Or;http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...idProduct=9551

Watch carefully what size you order, and order plenty.....you'll mess some up until you get the hang of using it!

[Egroeg]

Using a soldering iron on servo wires can for some strange reason render the servo dead.
If one needs to reinstall the female pins on wires use a crimping tool.
This guy has a good selection of cable protection mesh.
http://helidirect.com/advanced_searc...line&x=22&y=21

[Steemo]

Originally Posted by oliverdots

Great idea I will be using. Thanks for that Steemo.

Definately worth the 'sticky' status

Thanks OD, it means a lot to me when it's coming from someone who's post helped me out lots when I first started.

Originally Posted by Oldladypilot

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...idProduct=9551

This is where I get mine, cheap as chips but it's worthwhile placing a big order with lots of other bits and pieces you need to reduce the overall shipping cost per item. EMS rocks btw 3-4 days to your door

Originally Posted by Oldladypilot

Watch carefully what size you order, and order plenty.....you'll mess some up until you get the hang of using it!

Yes! 4mm is the best size to get if you are only going to feed one or 2 servo wires. 6mm is only needed when you are feeding 3 or more.

Originally Posted by Egroeg

Using a soldering iron on servo wires can for some strange reason render the servo dead. If one needs to reinstall the female pins on wires use a crimping tool.

I'll keep that in mind, I might practise shortening some wires by soldering on some cheap $2 servos and see how that goes. But i do agree, re crimping is the cleanest way

Originally Posted by Egroeg

This guy has a good selection of cable protection mesh.
http://helidirect.com/advanced_searc...line&x=22&y=21

Oooooo Pretty colours